A Bay of Plenty Regional Council contractor has found and removed five clumps of the invasive aquatic weed arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis) from a storm water drain in Bethlehem, Tauranga.
"Other Sagittaria species have been found and removed from the Bay of Plenty before but this is the first time we've seen this particular variety here. It was brought to New Zealand as a pond and aquarium plant but its rapid, clump forming growth habit and ability to disperse seeds widely make arrowhead a pest. It can spread quickly and out-compete other plants," said Bay of Plenty Regional Council Biosecurity Officer Andy Wills.
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"We want to keep arrowhead out of the region because of its potential to choke waterways, aggravate flooding, and displace native plants," he said.
Mr Wills said that contractors have been searching nearby areas for further infestations.